Introduction to Room‐Temperature Catalysis

This chapter provides an overview and points out some of the most relevant catalytic systems that allow carrying out catalytic reactions at room temperature. The catalytic systems will be divided in two main groups depending on the nature of the catalyst involved, namely: ionic liquids and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst-containing transition metals from groups 9 to 11 of the periodic table. Homogeneous catalysts are often superior to heterogeneous ones in terms of activity and, in particular, selectivity. Heterogeneous catalysis overcomes some of the main drawbacks in homogeneous catalysis, such as the recovery and recycling of the catalysts. The chapter surveys some of the most relevant homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reaction systems reported in literature, allowing reactions to be carried out at room temperature. Application of catalytic systems relying on ionic liquid catalysts and/or reaction media is a rather new direction in room-temperature catalysis that may offer added advantages, as highlighted in selected examples.